Rotary cutter



April 18, 1933. L SKEEL 1,904,632

ROTARY CUTTER Filed Sept. 17, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l ,April 18, 1933.

L. SKEEL ROTARY CUTTER Filed Sept. 17, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. LEWIS SKEEL TTORNEY Patented Apr. 18, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFicE LEWIS SKEEL, OF MEADVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA ROTARY CUTTER Application filed September 17, 1930. Serial No. 482,568.

; head and at the sametime to avoid the necessity of cutting away substantial portions of the material forming the cutter head for the accommodation of the wedge, which cutting away of substantial portions of the cutter head would render the tool less able to withstand the strains to which tools of this character are known to be subjected.

Another and equally important object of the invention is provide extremely simple and expeditious means by which the wedges for holding the blades of a rotary cutter in place may be brought into locking engagement with the blades after the blades have been set without disturbing the adjustment 2 of the blades and which may be removed with equal facility to free the blades for any one of several purposes.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a reamer embodying the invention, parts being broken away,

Figure 2 is an end elevation illustrating the forward end of the reamer, parts being broken away,

Figure 3 is an edge elevation illustrating the straight outer edge of a segmental wedge embodied in the invention,

Figure 4 is a vertical transverse sectional view through the central portion of the segmental wedge, the view being taken on line 1-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective'illustrating themanner in which the wedge may be brought into locking engagement with the associated blade after the blade has been positioned in a groove of the cutter head,

Figure 6 is a fragmentary group perspective illustrating the wedge and the associated I portion of the cutter head,

Figure 7 is afragmentary side elevation of a reamer illustrating a slight modification of the invention, parts being in section,

Figure 8 is an end elevationillustrating the forward end of the tool shown in'Figure 7, parts being broken away,

Figure 9 is a fragmentary group perspective of the form of invention shown in Figures 7 and 8, one of the blades and associated 6 holding means being removed, I

Figure 10 is an end elevation illustrating the application of the invention to a facing head, parts beingbroken away, 7 t

Figure 11' is a fragmentary side elevation of the facing head illustrated in Figure 10, parts being shown in section, v t

Figure 12 is 'a side elevation of a milling tool embodying the invention,

Figure 13is a fragmentary group perspective illustrating the manner in which the wedge may be brought into locking engagement with the blade of a milling tool or removed therefrom,

Figure 14 is a side elevation illustrating the adaptability of the invention to a heavy duty type of reamer,

Figure 15 is an end elevation of the form of invention illustrated in Figure 14:, parts being shown in section. 3

In the drawings, thenumeral 5 designates a shank terminating at the forward end thereof in a diametrically enlarged portion defining a head 6. The tool shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be recognized as a reamer and the head 6 thereof is provided with an the periphery and forward end of the head for the reception of a plurality of blades 9, the outer edges of which are suitably ground or otherwise prepared for cutting engagement with the work. In Figure 1, the bottom walls of the slots 8 are shown to extend substantially parallel to the axis of the cutter but it is Well known in this art that the slots may deepen either toward the forward or rear ends thereof so that lengthwise adjustment of the blades in the slots will vary the cutting diameter of the tool.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, one side wall of each slot is formed with a segmental recess 14 opening out through the periphery of the body for the snug reception of a similarly shaped wedge 12. The side wall of eachrecess 14 is in the form of a portion of a true helix, while the opposed side wall or surface of the wedge is also in the form of a portion of a true helix so that by the introduction of the wedge into the recess, in an arcuate path, the opposed coacting and contacting side walls of the wedge and the recess will bring about a binding engagement between the wedge and the associated blade. More specifically, the true helical formation of the. opposed surfaces of the I wedge 12 and'the recess 14 will move the wedge laterally into binding engagement with the blade, all the'time maintaining the blade engagingside of'the wedge parallel to the plane of the associated blade. In this manner, uniform pressure contact is established through the opposed bearing surfaces of the wedge and the blade.

, Otherwise expressed, the opposed walls of the wedge 12and the recess 14 are in the nature of coacting cams by which the wedge is urged laterally into uniform pressure ongageme'nt with the associated blade. In describing the true helical formation of the opposed walls of the wedge 12 and the recess 14, it is pointed out that any radial line on either wall is at right angles to the axis of the wedge and advances at a fixed lead. By this arrangement, the wedge is moved at right angles to the plane of the associated blade for binding engagement with the blade. With reference to Figures 1 and 5 it will be seen that the wedge 12 which is in the form of a segment of a disc is adjustable in an arc having the axis thereof extending approximately at right angles to the plane of the associated member 9 sothat when the wedge 12 is advanced or tightened it is.

. when the wedge is in place a portion of the helical surface of therec-ess 14 is in overdiately in advance thereof to expose the enlarged forward ends of the wedges 12 for convenient engagement by a striking tool of any kind employedto seat the wedges. Also, the forward end portions of the wedges 14 are bevelled to match the inclination of the walls of the recesses 15.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate that what might be said to be the rear side walls of the blades and the thrust receiving side walls of the slots are provided with radial or other interfitting serrations constituting an eflective means by which the blades are held against lengthwise shifting as a result of use. By such an interfitting arrangement between the blades and the side walls of the slots the wedges are relieved of much of the strain that the same would otherwise be called upon to bear.

In use, the blades are positioned and ad-.

justed in the slots 8 and after the wedges 12 have been loosely positioned in the recesses 14 the wedges are individually and manually driven laterally into binding engagement with the blades through a tool that is brought into striking engagement with the bevelled forward ends of the wedges. On the other hand, when it is desired to free the blades, for any one of a number of reasons, it is merely necessary to tap the exposed edges of.

the wedges at the narrowed end portions thereof whereupon the wedges are moved in arcuate paths and are thus released.

A rotary cutter constructed in accordance with this invention makes it possible to provide an increased number of blades about the periphery of the cutter head, such an increase being desirable to avoid chattering and for a number of other reasons. An added number of blades may be provided for the reason that the various wedgesare relatively narrow and are positioned close to and parallel to the blades which the same engage.

Also, the construction and arrangement of the wedges avoids the necessity of cutting away substantial portions of the cutter head 6 to provide for the accommodation of the wedges so that the cutter head is better enabled to withstand the severe strains incident to use. 7

The form of invention illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 provides for the positioning of elongated strips or keys 20 between the blades 22 and the pairs of segmental wedges 24. Clearly, the intervention of the keys or strips 20 provide for a wider area of distribution of the wedging action over the surfaces of the blades 22.

The blade receiving slots 25 shown in Figure 7 may decrease in depth toward the rear ends thereof so that rearward adjustment of the blades will bring about an increase in the cutting diameter of the tool. However, as taught by the prior art, the blade receiving slots may decrease in depth toward either the forward or rear ends thereof, this being a matter of design dictated by requirements.

The thrust receiving side walls of the slots 25 and the opposed side walls of the blades may be provided with longitudinal or other interfitting serrations coacting with the wedges 24 in securing the blades firmly in place.

In the form of invention illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, an end facer embodying a head 28 is provided with a plurality of radial slots 30 opening out through the forward end and periphery thereof for the reception of blades 82. Figure 10 illustrates that the slots 30 are provided in the side walls thereof with recesses 34 opening out through the forward end of the head 24 for the reception of wedges 36 corresponding to the wedges 12. The opposed walls of the recesses 34 and the wedges 36 are provided with coacting and contacting helical faces by which the'wedges are moved laterally into uniform pressure engagement with the blades. The true helical formation of the opposed surfaces of the wedges and the recesses receiving the same maintains the wedges parallel to the planes of the respective blades. p

Also, the sides of the blades and the opposed walls of the slots 80 may be provided with interfitting serrations in the nature of teeth 38 defining a means by which the wedges are aided in holding the blades firmly in place.

Figure 12 illustrates a milling tool having a disk shaped head 40 formed with an annular series of slots 42 opening out through the periphery and opposite sides thereof for the reception of blades 44. Figure 13 illustrates that the blades 44 are held in place by segmental wedges 46 corresponding to the wedges 36. The wedges 46 are received in recesses formed in the side walls of the slots 42 which recesses open out through the periphery of the head 40 to allow of the easy insertion and removal of the wedges. Of course, the blades 44 may be extended parallel to or at an angle to the axis of the head 40. 7

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the invention in connection with a heavy duty reamer having a shank 50 and a head 52. Slots 54 open out through the periphery and forward end of the head 52 for the reception of blades 56 held in place through the concerted action of wedges 58 and one or more locking collars 60. The wedges 58 are received in recesses 64 in the side walls of the slots 54 and open out through the periphery of the head for the ready reception and removal of the wedges. The reamer shown in Figures 14 and 15 will be recognized as adapted for heavy duty purposes and is provided at the forward portion thereof with a pilot 66.

The foregoing illustrates the wide range of Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. In a rotary cutter, a carrier having a slot formed in one side wall thereof with a recess, one side of the recess being formed with a cam surface, a blade in said slot, and a wedge of segmental formation adjustable arcuately in said recess between said cam surface and said blade and having the outer edge portion thereof constantly exposed for striking engagement by a tool.

-2. In a rotary cutter, a carrier-having a slot formed in one side wall thereof with a recess, oneside of the recess being formed with'a cam surface, a blade in said slot, and a wedge of segmental formation adjustable arcuately in said recess between said cam surface and said blade and having the outer edge portion thereof constantly exposed for striking engagement by a tool, said cam surface being in overhanging retaining relation with a portion of the wedge.

3. In a rotary cutter, a carrier having a slot opening out through the forward-end and periphery thereof, a'blade in said slot, one side wall of said slot being provided with a segmental recess opening out through the periphery of the carrier and having aside wall in the form of a portion of a true helix, and a segmental wedge detachably received in said recess, one side wall of the segmental wedge being in the form of a true helix and engaged by the similarly formed side wall of the recess so that introduction of the wedge into the recess and rotation therein moves the wedge laterally into binding engagement with the blade.

4. In a rotary cutter, a carrier having a slot opening out through the forward end and periphery thereof, a blade in said slot, one side wall of said slot being provided with 'a segmental recess opening out through the periphery of the carrier and having a side wall in the form of a portion of a true helix, and a segmental wedge detachably received in said recess, one side wall of the segmental wedge being in the form of a true helix and engaged by the similarly formed side wall'of the recess so that introduction of the wedge into the recess and rotation therein moves the wedge laterally into binding engagement with the blade, the outer edge of the segmental wedgebeing constantly exposed for moving the wedge in the path of an arc.

5. In a rotary cutter, a carrier having a slot opening out through the periphery thereof, a blade in said slot, one side wall of said slot being provided with a segmental recess opening out through the periphery of the carrier and having a side wallin the form of a portion of a true helix, and a segmental Wedge being in the form of a true helix and engaged by the similarly formed side wall of the recess so that introduction of the wedge .into the recess and rotation therein moves the wedge laterally into binding engagement with the blade, the outer edge of the segmental wedge being constantly exposed for driving the wedge in an arcuate path, said segmental recess being spaced from the ends of the carrier.

6. In a rotary cutter, a head-having a slot, a blade detachably received in said slot, one side wall of said slot being provided with a recess opening out through the periphery of the head and decreased in width toward one end thereof, and a wedge movable arcuately in said recess and decreased in width toward one end thereof, the variation in the thickness of the wedge toward one end thereof and the reduction in the width of the recess toward one end thereof providing a means by which the wedge is urged laterally into binding eng'agement with the blade when driven arcuately in the recess.

7. Ina rotary cutter, a head having a slot, a blade detachably received in said slot, one side wall-of said slot being provided with a segmental recess opening out through the periphery of the head and decreased in width toward one end thereof, and a segmental 'wedge decreased in width toward one end thereof and adapted to be introduced into said recess, the variation in the thickness of the wedge toward one end thereof providing a means by which the wedge is urged laterally into binding engagement with the blade when the wedge is driven arcuately in the recess, the outer edge of said wedge being exposed for thelfull length thereof for engagement by a too I 8. In a rotary cutter, a head having a slot opening out through the periphery and forward end thereof and having one side wall formed with a segmental recess, a blade, in

- said slot, and a wedge in the form of a segm'ent of a disc adjustably arcuately in said recess and having one side thereof positioned for engagement with said blade, there being means by which said Wedge is moved laterally at right angles to the plane of said blade for binding engagement with the blade.

9. In a tool, a carrier having a slot formed in one side wall thereof with a recess terminating short of the ends of the slot and opening out through the outer surface of the carw rier, a member in said slot, a segmental wedge adjustable arcuately in said recess and about an axis extending at an angle to the plane of said blade, said wedge and the opposed side wall of said recess being formed with coacting means urging said segmental wedge laterally intobinding engagement with said member on a line at right angles to the plane of said member and holding the wedge against outward radial movement.

10. In a rotary cutter, a carrier having a slot, a blade in said slot, one side wall of said slot being provided with a recess, a wedge of segmental formation in said recess, a stripbetween said wedge and said blade, said wedge and the side wall of said recess being of helical formation defining a means by which arcuate movement of said wedge in one direction in said recess moves said wedge laterally into pressure engagement with said strip.

11. In a rotary cutter, a carrier having a slot formed in one side wall thereof with a recess, one side of the recess being formed with a cam surface, a blade in said slot, and a wedge in the form of a segment of a disc in said recess between said cam surface and said 7 blade and having the outer edge portion thereof constantly exposed for striking engagement by a tool whereby the wedge may be driven in an arcuate path in said recess, the

striking engagement by a tool.

12. In a rotary cutter, a carrier having a slot formed in one side wall thereof with a recess, one side of said recess being formed with a cam surface, a blade in said slot, and a wedge in the form of a segment of a disc adjustable arcuately in said recess between said cam surface and said blade and having the outer edge portion thereof constantly exposed for striking engagement by a tool, there being means cooperating with said wedge to secure said blade in place.

13. In a rotary cutter, a carrier having a slot formed in one side wall thereof with a recess, one side of the recess being formed with a cam surface,'a blade in said slot, and a wedge of segmental formation adjustable arcuately in said recess and having pressure contact with said cam surface and one side of said blade and movable about an axis extending approximately at right angles to the plane of said blade the other side wall of said blade and the exposed side wall of said slot being provided with means coacting with said wedge to secure said blade in place.

14. In a cutting tool, a head having a slot,

a member in the slot, said head having a recess opening into the slot and decreased in width toward one end thereof, and a segmental wedge movable arcuately in said recess and decreased in width toward one end thereof, the variation in the thickness of the wedge toward one end thereof and the reduction in the width of the recess toward one end thereof providing a means by which the wedge is 5 urged laterally in the direction of said member when driven arcuately in the recess.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

LEWIS SKEEL. 

